How big is a 40 yard bin in Ottawa compared to a car?

Typical outside dimensions on Ottawa bin companies' pages put a 40 yard bin at about 18 to 23 ft long, about 8 ft wide and 7 to 8 ft high (typical, sizes vary by company). Lengths for the same nominal size differ between companies, so the bin you are quoted may sit anywhere in that range.

For a picture of it, this site's homepage draws the 10, 14, 20, 30 and 40 yard bins side by side at one scale, next to a person about 5.5 to 6 ft tall and a car outline. The car outline is drawn for scale only; we did not take car dimensions from any source, so the drawing is the comparison rather than a figure.

What the size means for you is mostly about the spot:

• Measure the length, width and overhead clearance where the bin will go, and get the outside dimensions of the specific bin in writing.
• Bin companies ask for a level spot clear of overhead wires and branches.
• If any part of the bin sits on the road, boulevard, sidewalk or a public laneway, the City of Ottawa's Temporary Construction-related Encroachment (TCE) permit applies, with at least 10 business days to process.

Ottawa bin companies' size guides point a large renovation or a demolition to 30 to 40 yards. For both sizes we found too few comparable published prices for a range, so ask for a written price in each model: bin fee plus weight, and all-in with tonnes included.

Get the 40 yard bin's outside dimensions from the company before you book, and hold them against your measured spot.